This year, go all out for National Ice Cream Day (July 19). Sure, you could wait in a long line at an ice cream chain with your friends, or you could create one of these worth-the-churn, slightly avant-garde ice cream extravaganzas. For the less enthusiastic, we also have some churn-free (as well as dairy-free) options that are more than sufficiently delicious.
Relish
Ice Cream Ombru00e9 Cake
This decadent Ombru00e9 cake is one of the most versatile, simple recipes out there. Layers of ice cream divided by whipped topping make for a "cake" comprised entirely of our favorite frozen treat.
This ice cream is coursing with coconut through and through--based with coconut milk, laced with coconut flakes and infused with coconut extract, it's perfect for those of us who just can't get enough coconut.
Short on time, ingredients or motivation? Look no further. This dairy-free, four ingredient, healthy ice cream is all you need for a guilt-free celebration.
We owe a lot to whoever first combined root beer and ice cream. This twist on the classic is another four ingredient masterpiece that doesn't require a machine. Go on, give it a try.
Roasted Blueberry Ice Cream and Corn Cookies Sandwiches
Have a free afternoon? While this two-part recipe takes some patience, it's so worth your time. The tangy ice cream is bursting with fresh blueberries, and the corn cookies have a buttery taste and stay soft even when frozen (perfect for ice cream sandwiches).
We love this variation on the classic American apple crisp. This recipe can be thrown together quickly, or you can take your sweet time and make the vanilla bean custard, roasted apple butter and oat crisp all from scratch.
Dairy-Free Rhubarb Ice Cream with Pistachio Chunks
This one-of-a-kind ice cream recipe is comprised of freshly chopped rhubarb, full fat coconut milk, and maple syrup instead of refined sugar. It's classy, zany, smooth and the ultimate "out-of-left-field" masterpiece.
Of course, you could always grab a tub of vanilla ice cream and pre-made chocolate chip cookies and smash them together. But why do that when you could create dark chocolate chunk cookies with homemade vanilla ice cream adapted from the legendary Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams?
Goat cheese ice cream is a classic example of "don't knock it till you've tried it". Seriously, if you haven't tried goat cheese ice cream yet, we suggest you make this recipe your top priority. The sweetness from honey and blackberries combined with the tartness of goat cheese is to die for. We mean it.
We highly suggest you fight humidity, sunburn and excessive sweat with plums, creamy buttermilk and sweet honey (plus sugar). This is a summertime treat you won't want to forget.
Roasted Blackberry Thyme Ice Cream With Cornmeal Crumble
Ripe berries, fresh herbs and ice cream scream summertime-add a cornmeal crumble and it's really party time. P.S. This ice cream is vegan, but no one has to know.
Strawberry ice cream is a summer staple, but it often ends up tasting like food dye and refined sugar. This ice cream is brimming with fresh strawberries, giving it an honest taste. Plus, when you visit the blog post, you'll find a beautifully written, transparent account of motherhood just above this delightful recipe, because making it is its own kind of therapy.
Rich caramel flavors, black mission figs and the crunch of pecans make for a decadent ice cream you don't want to miss. Bonus: If you're feeling down for any reason this summer, check out Happy Yolk's post above the recipe (hint: you're loved).
This recipe is vanilla ice cream, bacon, banana, and maple syrup between crackers dipped in milk chocolate. Nothing more needs to be said, except for: Thank you. Thank you very much.
Ok, ok, technically there's nothing frozen about these treats, but they're so cute we couldn't resist. They're perfect for a kid's party and won't melt in the hot sun. Give 'em a try.
No-Churn Coffee Ice Cream with Circus Animal Crumbs
This ice cream has all the best parts of childhood, young adulthood and real adulthood-aka animal cookies, liqueur and coffee. Even better, it's no-churn and no-fuss (just like life, right?).
Did you think we were done highlighting both bacon and corn as key ingredients in these frozen treats? (We're so not done.) The saltiness of bacon and sweetness of the corn sugar cookies in this recipe are almost too much to handle. Almost.
We love thick 'n' creamy desserts, but sometimes we all need a break. Introducing: Raspberry Rhubarb Sorbet. This light summer treat is the best way to satisfy that sweet tooth and feel refreshed.
We love a classic mint ice cream-especially in the summertime. Quality dark chocolate and peppermint extract make the flavors of this classic come alive in a way that will make you forget all about that store bought stuff.